Newsletter

Friday Recap for April 18,2025

Bill Petty

19 Apr 2025 — 15 min read

Photo by Brandon Jean / Unsplash

This past week the following committees/commissions met:

Monday

Williamson County Budget Committee
BOMA work session
BOMA board meeting
Franklin Historic Zoning

Tuesday

Williamson County Budget Committee
Williamson County Tax Study Committee

Wednesday

Williamson County Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Williamson County Public Health Committee
Williamson County Planning Commission

Thursday

Williamson County Purchasing and Insurance Committee

My Comment for the week

It is Easter and a time for those of us who are Christians to focus our attention on the singular fact that changed the world for ever; the crucification and resurrection of our savior Jesus the Christ. With all of the garbage that is going on in the world it is so easy to get sidetracked an lose our focus on what is truly important.

Actually, Easter should be in our hearts and minds everyday. It should not be just a special day but a way of life. We all know that. With that in mind, I would like to share a meditation I wrote several years ago that I hope you find uplifting. Just reply to this email and I will send it to you.

Miscellaneous

Brentwood Elections Williamson County Citizen as interviews with Allison Spears and Mark Gorman that are worth watching.

Williamson Inc. Report I got this information about their efforts for the last year: The total capital investment on the two new to market projects we worked was actually $11,173,000 with 160 new jobs for our community members carrying a collective average salary of $105,000. Capital investment serves as an additional boost (on top of the jobs the project is going to create) to our local economy by creating even more jobs, increasing tax revenue, and supporting local businesses.

Guitars for Vets at the VFW story

I have Tennessee Stands Williamson County Citizen and Truthwire News sites listed below and I highly recommend all three plus all of the others if you want to get deeper into the current issues.

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Williamson County School District

April 17th

School Board Work Session agenda video

AI Summary*

Overview

1,690 out-of-zone applications were received for the 2025-26 school year, with 5 schools having waitlists including Ravenwood High School (56 students waiting)
Board agreed to form a technology committee with each board member appointing one parent representative to address screen time and device usage in schools
Athletic apparel contract with Matthews Team Sports was signed in February with an addendum added in March allowing students to choose their own shoes
Board reviewed AP Psychology textbook adoption with Myers textbook unanimously recommended by teachers due to alignment with new College Board requirements
State allocated $4 million in letter grade bonus funding for the district based on school performance
Special education policy regarding service logs generated significant discussion about documentation requirements versus student progress

Open zoning update and lottery results

1,690 out-of-zone applications received this year compared to 1,205 last year
Currently 2,600 students (about 6% of total) attend WCS schools outside their zone
Five schools have waitlists after the lottery held on April 17, 2025:
Creekside Elementary: 2 students waiting
Spring Station Middle: 9 students waiting
Franklin High School: 48 students waiting
Independence High School: 30 students waiting
Ravenwood High School: 56 students waiting
About one-third of applicants have already accepted their slots
Families have until April 27, 2025 to accept their placements

Athletic apparel contract discussion

Contract with Matthews Team Sports (Adidas) was signed in February and executed in March
Mr. Galbraith expressed concerns about lack of parent/booster involvement in contract decisions
Dr. Webb explained the contract review process:
District met with each high school's athletic administration to gather feedback
Meetings included principals, assistant principals, and athletic directors
Matthews Team Sports owner attended portions of these meetings to address concerns
Key contract changes in the addendum:
Students can now choose their own shoes rather than being required to wear Adidas
Non-Adidas logos on equipment must be covered during competition
Schools choosing not to require Adidas shoes receive slightly reduced promotional dollars
Order calendar established to ensure timely delivery of equipment
Mr. Galbraith raised concerns about:
Parents bearing costs while schools receive promotional dollars
Head-to-toe requirements being newly enforced
Lack of transparency in athletic fund management

AP Psychology textbook adoption

Ashley Flood presented on AP Psychology textbook options
College Board significantly updated the course and exam description for fall 2024
Major changes include:
New writing portion with two essays (article analysis and evidence-based questions)
New AP Science practices including argumentation skills
Content reorganized from nine units to five units
Four textbook options were reviewed:
Cengage
McGraw Hill
Myers (BFW)
AMSCO Perfection Learning
Myers textbook unanimously recommended by teachers because:
Aligns with new course organization and AP Science practices
Includes practice questions matching new exam format
Provides robust resources for writing instruction
WCS students performed well on AP Psychology exams with 80% pass rate in 2023 compared to 59% global average
State law requires parental notification and opt-in for gender and sexual orientation topics
Teachers spend one class period or less on this topic
Students whose parents don't opt in receive alternative assignments

Budget status and capital projects

Budget gap remains at approximately $12 million
Sales tax revenue was strong (estimated $300,000 increase)
Average Daily Attendance rate decreased by 0.1% (from 93.56% to 93.43%), resulting in approximately $500,000 decrease in funding
Joint Education and Budget Committee meeting held; separate committee meetings scheduled for April 28 and April 29, 2025
Capital projects resolutions presented for 2025-26:
Asphalt, roof, and HVAC projects: $12,153,000
Security and technology needs: $13,815,425
Hillsboro K-8 renovation: $6.6 million total with $3 million first-year request
Grassland Middle renovation: $7 million total with $1 million first-year request
Total Capital requests for the 25-26 budget is just under $30 Million
$4 million state letter grade bonus received for having more than 50% of schools achieve an A grade. This does not help the $12 Gap as it is already include in revenue for the 25-26 budget.

Special education policy and service logs

Board discussed proposed policy changes regarding special education service logs
Mr. Bostic proposed requiring documentation of services provided to special education students
Concerns raised about:
Time burden on teachers and service providers
Whether logs would benefit students or just create paperwork
Legal protection value of service logs
Dana Griego clarified that courts focus on student progress rather than service delivery logs when evaluating complaints
Board agreed to continue discussion in policy committee before second reading

Technology committee formation

Board chair announced formation of technology committee to address screen time and device usage
Each board member will appoint one parent representative to the committee
Committee objectives:
Develop district-wide guidelines for instructional technology use during school hours
Establish recommendations for optimal screen time by grade level
Provide families with guidance on technology use outside school hours
Review personal device usage policies in schools
Committee will meet for up to a year with first meeting planned for May 2025
Timeline based on similar work done by Bentonville, Arkansas school district

Construction updates

Brentwood Middle School phase two:
Brick facade completed
Framing inspection passed
Drywall installation begun
Window frame installation completed
Painting started
Transportation building phase two:
Demolition of old office building completed
Mezzanine installed
Framing for new offices in bus garage started
Innovation Center:
Footing installation 50% complete
Foundation block being installed
First slab pour scheduled for last week of April 2025

State teacher bonus resolution

State legislature approved $2,000 bonus for teachers
Board must pass resolution to receive funding
Eligibility requirements:
Teachers must have worked more than 120 days in current fiscal year
Must be full-time teachers serving students for more than half their work time
Funding will come in next fiscal year but is based on current year employment

Tenure recommendations

Superintendent presented tenure recommendations for teachers who have met state requirements
Teachers must achieve specific evaluation scores over five years to qualify for tenure
List includes teachers who have met all state requirements

*The AI program I use is pretty accurate, but it does make mistakes from time to time and I don't always catch them. I provide agendas and videos/audios when I have them available and recommend that you watch the video and follow along with the summary to get the most accurate report.

Next Week:

The full School Board will be meeting on Monday the 21st. Agenda Video starting at 6:30 pm on Monday.

If you want to make a public comment:

Thirty (30) minutes are placed on the agenda for the Chair to recognize individuals to make comments. If you’d like to speak during public comment, please send your name, complete mailing address, topic of comments and any organization you represent to publiccomment@wcs.edu. You may sign up for public comment for the next meeting between Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 12 p.m. through Monday, April 21, 2025 at 12 p.m.

These are all public meetings and anyone can attend.

Williamson County Commission

Sheriff's Monthly Report

March

Who is on each committee

Monday April 14th

The Budget Committee met Agenda Packet Video

Public Health Animal Control Local Health Services Refuge Center Counciling HRA Homemakers services State Rehabilitation Center Grace Works Foster Children Pauper Burials Adult Activities/waves Hillsboro Senior Citizens Libraries Consultants Boys and Girls Club Crime Stoppers Community Housing Convention and Visitors Bureau

AI Summary*

Overview

Budget committee approved $1,946,227 for Health Department with no budget increase
Animal Control budget of $2,859,877 approved, with donations totaling $365,520 received last year
Library budget of $3,421,130 approved, including Brentwood and Spring Hill locations
Committee approved $2,145,721 for Convention Visitors Bureau (representing 25% of hotel/motel tax collection)
Current budget deficit stands at approximately $32-34 million with expenses exceeding projected revenue
Committee discussed maintaining fund balance at approximately 5 months of expenditures to preserve AAA bond rating

Public safety budget transfers

Connor requested four transfers for public safety department
Two transfers directed to vehicle maintenance lines to cover unanticipated needs from volunteer fire departments
Two transfers allocated to equipment lines for thermal imaging cameras replacement
Committee approved all public safety budget transfers with a 5-0 vote

Health department budget approval

Health department budget of $1,946,227 approved with no increase from previous year
Department maintained status quo budget after 12 years of experience with budget planning
Funds reallocated internally to cover premium increases in dental and professional liability insurance
Department moved money to maintenance and supply line items to avoid capital improvement requests
Budget approved unanimously with 5-0 vote

Animal control budget approval

Animal control budget of $2,859,877 approved with no increases beyond parameters
Department added $5,000 line for volunteer support, transferred from donation fund
Volunteers provided equivalent of 11 full-time employees last year, saving county over $350,000
Volunteers contributed over 7,000 hours in first quarter of 2025
Department received $365,520.21 in direct donations last year
Friends organization purchased new $50,000 mobile adoption unit
Budget approved unanimously with 5-0 vote

Library budget approvals

Brentwood Library allocation of $74,450 approved
Spring Hill Library allocation of $28,665 approved
Main county library budget approved with total of $3,421,130
Librarian salary increase of 8.7% includes 4% standard increase plus salary study adjustments
All library budgets approved unanimously with 5-0 votes

Nonprofit organization funding

Committee approved funding for 19 nonprofit organizations with no increases from previous year:
- Mid Cumberland Community Action Agency: $10,576
- Refuge Center: $21,500
- Mid Cumberland HRA Homemakers: $38,000
- TRC Franklin (Vocational Rehab): $67,816
- Grace Works: $20,117
- Foster Children: $11,000
- Indigent Burials: $3,000
- Waves: $47,964
- Senior Citizens (combined): $39,796
- Boys and Girls Club: $11,460
- Community Child Care: $10,008
- My Friend's House: $7,458
- Crime Stoppers: $873
- Mid Cumberland Nutrition (Meals on Wheels): $16,622
- Court Appointed Special Advocate: $4,292
- Community Housing Partnership: $40,131
- ARC Disability Resource Center: $3,814
- Greenbrier Community Center: $437
- Saddle Up: $3,300
- Bridges of Williamson County: $18,201
- Convention Visitors Bureau: $2,145,721
- Take the Reins: $3,300
- Davis House: $5,175
Total nonprofit funding approved: $2,270,792

Budget deficit and fund balance discussion

Current budget deficit stands at approximately $32-34 million with expenses exceeding projected revenue
Phoebe Riley explained county aims to maintain fund balance at approximately 5 months of expenditures
Committee discussed property tax collection projection of 92% versus actual collection rate of 98%
Concern was raised about debt service increasing to $107 million with $263 million in additional debt not yet realized
Committee discussed importance of maintaining fund balance to preserve AAA bond rating and prepare for economic uncertainty

Tuesday April 15th

The Budget Committee met. Packet Video

AI Summary*

Overview

All 28 department budgets were approved with 5-0 votes
Most budget increases were due to 4% salary adjustments and the 65th percentile study
Solid Waste proposed a new Biomeister system expected to save approximately $500,000 annually in leachate disposal costs despite adding $156,000 in electricity expenses
IT department added $310,000 for cybersecurity software as part of their $601,971 total budget increase
Parks and Recreation reported being $1.5-2 million ahead of last year's revenue pace

Register of Deeds budget

Total budget of $885,422 approved with a $44,668 increase from previous year
Increase entirely due to salary adjustments including the 4% raise and 65th percentile study

Trustee's Office budget

Total budget of $1,110,718 approved with a $28,640 increase
Increase solely attributed to salary adjustments with no operational changes

Property Assessor's Office budget

Total budget of $2,659,379 approved with a $62,992 increase
Salary increases totaled $81,000 but were partially offset by $18,634 decrease in operations
Operations decrease due to reduced postage and one-time costs associated with this year's reappraisal

County Clerk's Office budget

Total budget of $1,653,780 approved with a $58,047 increase
Increase entirely due to salary adjustments with no operational changes

Beer Board budget

Total budget of $2,700 approved with no changes from previous year

Election Commission budget

Total budget of $1,419,856 approved with a $36,097 increase
Increase entirely due to salary adjustments
Chad Gray noted a future $20,000 budget amendment will be needed due to President Trump's executive orders on elections issued around March 25, 2025

Solid Waste sanitation fund budget

Total budget of $10,474,451 approved with increases for salaries ($119,806) and electricity ($156,000)
Electricity increase of $13,000 monthly for new Biomeister system
Mac explained the Biomeister will atomize leachate and reduce pumping/hauling costs from $700,000 to approximately $200,000 annually
Insurance line items were adjusted between building/contents and excess risk categories

Solid Waste Board budget

Total budget of $3,300 approved with no changes from previous year

County Commission budget

Total budget of $1,777,065 approved with a $14,400 increase
New $600 salary supplement added for commissioners who complete 8 hours of continuing education
Mayor Anderson proposed increasing commissioner pay from $600 to $700 per member and chair from $650 to $750 beginning September 1, 2026
Proposal deferred pending research on commissioner pay in other counties

Board of Equalization budget

Total budget of $7,700 approved with no changes from previous year

Mayor's department budget

Total budget of $1,156,067 approved with a $110,443 increase for salaries
Additional $3,400 increase for law cleaning services
Budget includes funding for retirement succession planning for a long-term team member

Human Resources department budget

Total budget of $478,220 approved with a $39,070 increase for salaries
Additional $2,200 increase for advertising and office supplies
Reclassified personnel from part-time to assistant positions, upgrading coordinator to generalist level for FMLA administration

County Attorney budget

Total budget of $1,216,500 approved with no changes from previous year
Hourly rates approved at $250 for partners and $215 for associates as required by TCA code
Budget includes bond counsel and other legal fees beyond the county attorney's firm

Planning and Zoning department budget

Total budget of $4,057,858 approved with increases solely for salaries
Department absorbed all operational cost changes within existing budget lines

Planning department budget

Total budget of $58,355 approved with no changes from previous year

Building Codes department budget

Total budget of $40,765 approved with no changes from previous year

Engineering department budget

Total budget of $47,997 approved with no changes in total budget
Some modifications between line items were made to absorb costs within existing budget

Sewage Disposal Management budget

Total budget of $89,702 approved with a $3,265 increase
Increases included $500 for dues, $500 for leases, $500 for vehicle maintenance, and additional gasoline
Adjustments needed for operational costs related to a new position approved last year

Codes Compliance budget

Total budget of $65,381 approved with no changes from previous year

IT department budget

Total budget of $5,583,529 approved with a $601,971 total increase
Salary increases totaled $134,596
Added $310,000 for cybersecurity software
Communication line increased by $34,225 including $10,000 for T-mobile service for disaster response
Security cameras increased by $10,000
Sean secured a cybersecurity grant and helped reduce insurance deductibles for cybersecurity coverage

County Buildings department budget

Total budget of $5,392,865 approved with a $91,891 increase
$89,891 of increase for salaries and $2,000 for gasoline
Department manages 63 total staff including part-time custodians, security, technicians, and full-time positions

WCTV department budget

Total budget of $347,369 approved with a $37,770 increase entirely for salaries

Archives department budget

Total budget of $586,588 approved with a $38,906 increase
$38,420 for salaries and $486 for operations that couldn't be absorbed within existing line items

Finance department budget

Total budget of $1,786,500 approved with a $188,735 increase
$105,620 for salary adjustments
$3,709 increase for accounting software
$79,600 for new annual license for timekeeping system using biometrics and badge scanning

Other Finance budget

Total budget of $722,000 approved with a $200,000 increase for data processing equipment
First increase to this line since fiscal year 2016-17
Funds needed for replacement of aging laptops and computer systems countywide

Parks and Recreation budget

Total budget of $22,430,822 approved with a $1,871,128 increase
$962,248 for salary increases
Budget includes full 12 months of Maryland Farms facility operation
$20,000 increase for vehicle maintenance across 68 vehicles
$235,000 for contracted instructors for classes and programs
$195,000 increase for electricity for new facilities
Gordon reported Maryland Farms is now profitable and department is tracking $1.5-2 million ahead of last year's revenue

Ag Expo budget

Total budget of $1,586,585 approved with a $44,432 increase entirely for salaries
Kenny reported facility generates approximately $500,000 in revenue annually
Facility provides significant free usage to school system and 4-H programs
Kenny is retiring after 25 years of service

Veteran Services budget

Total budget of $56,137 approved with a $2,297 increase for expanding program outreach
Mayor Anderson commended Ben for his exceptional service to veterans and their families

The Tax Study Committee met. Minutes and resolution

Wednesday April 16th

The Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee met.

Ambulance Public Safety Local Emergency Fire Prevention Juvenile Service Juvenile Court Administration Judicial Commissioners Public Defender Chancery Court General Session Court Circuit Court

Thursday April 17th

The Purchasing and Insurance Committee met. I wasn't at the meeting and there is no recording, I don't know what went on. I will try to get more info and report on it next week.

25-25 Personnel Requests Risk Management Employee Benefits Capital Budget Requests

Next Week:

Monday April 21st

The Budget Committee will meet at 4:30 pm in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street. They will be discussing the same budgets as the Purchasing and Insurance Committee did above.

The Human Resources Committee will meet at 5:30 pm in Williamson County Administrative Complex Mayor's Conference room (smaller one) 1320 West Main Street. January 6 minutes AI Policy AI Policy Resolution

Tuesday April 22nd

The Public Building Authority is meeting at 9:00 am in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street. I have no further information.

The Williamson County Opioid Task Force is meeting at 1:30 pm in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street. I have no further information.

The Budget Committee is meeting at 4:30 pm in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street..

Capital Budget Requests Employee Benefits Risk management Personnel Requests

Wednesday April 23rd

The Storm Water Appeals Board is meeting at 8:30 am in the Williamson County Administrative Complex auditorium 1320 West. Main Street. Agenda

The Property Committee is meeting at 5:30 pm in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street.

Minutes from last meeting Resolution

List of Williamson County Commission Committees

These are all public meetings and anyone can attend.

Board of Mayor and Aldermen

Monday April 14th

The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission met Packet

Wednesday April 16th

Building and Street Standards Board of Appeals met. No further information.

Next Week:

Go Here for all the meetings. Just click on the green button for each meeting to get full information including agendas, meeting files and media.

These are all public meetings and anyone can attend.

Election Commission

There were no meetings this week, but there is a follow-up from last week:

Next Week

Tuesday April 22nd

The Election Commission will be meeting at 3:00 pm at 405 Downs Blvd. Agenda

These are all public meetings and anyone can attend.

If not me, who?

If not now, when?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1)

“We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer gently.” (1^st Corinthians 4:12-13)

Blessings,

Bill

pettyandassociates@gmail.com

Community resources

If you like Friday Recap, check out these other grassroots conservative projects!

Williamson County Citizens Provides free tools and information to help grassroots conservatives exercise their citizenship here in Williamson County.
TruthWire News covers a broad spectrum of political and governmental issues, from the actions of your local school board and county commissioners to the machinations of city councils and state government officials.
Tennessee Voters for Election Integrity is helping restore confidence in Tennessee Elections.
Williamson County Republican Party is one of the most active parties in the state and captures the conservative heart of Tennessee.
Mom's For Liberty Williamson County is dedicated to fighting for the American family by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government.
Tennessee Stands produces video media, podcasts, and live events, and provides social commentary on relevant issues in our state.
M4LU is a new site developed by the national Mom's for Liberty but generated right here in Williamson County. The mission of M4LU is to to inform, equip, and empower parents with knowledge, understanding and practical tools.
WCSB Substack. This site reports on the Williamson County School Board meetings. It provides accurate summaries of all WCSB meetings.

Help educate citizens of Williamson County

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